Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Halloween 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 4, 2021

I’m not sure there’s anything left to say about 1978’s “Halloween,” with the feature becoming bulletproof over the decades, growing in reputation as producers have scrambled to replicate its success with sequels and spin-offs. It’s a masterpiece from co-writer/director John Carpenter and co- writer/producer Debra Hill, with the pair putting in the effort to elevate what could’ve been a cheap, exploitative horror film for basic drive-in entertainment, giving it an unusual sense of style and defined level of menace. The low-budget endeavor retains its obvious production limitations, but the joy of “Halloween” is watching Carpenter work his magic on the genre, playing with conventions in inventive ways, also focused on giving the picture a pure sense of escalation, going from creepiness to blasts of suspense in the final act. It’s a gem, and a movie that’s endured for over 40 years, still inspiring imitators as the brand name remains active and the boogeyman sustains his iconic intimidation factor.

For additional information and analysis, please read:

A 2018 review of the 4K UHD release by Jeffrey Kauffman.

A 2013 review of the Blu-ray release by Martin Liebman.

Halloween 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray release of "Halloween," with the last five screencaps from the "Original Blu-ray Release Color Timing" disc.

After a 4K release in 2018, "Halloween" returns to UHD courtesy of Shout Factory, who offer a new Dolby Vision presentation of the film (2.39:1 aspect ratio), sourced from the original camera negative (approved by cinematographer Dean Cundey). "Halloween" has seen its share of home video releases with different visual representations, and it appears this new viewing experience is meant to inch the feature back to its original theatrical look. Grain is fine and film-like, and delineation is precise, with extended use of deep shadows and darkness securing Carpenter's visual intent, finding the faint presence of Michael Myers in black backgrounds superbly replicated here. Detail is excellent, reaching as far as the original cinematography goes, supplying excellent dimension during neighborhood tours, securing the seasonal vibe. Facial surfaces are textured, defining players both young and old, and mask contours are appreciable. Costuming is fibrous. Colors preserve the suburban look of the movie, with bright white houses and greenery. Moodier hues emerge with interiors, with a slight blueish tint during evening activities. Highlights are distinct, with lighting sources, such as flashlights and headlights, retaining comfortable brightness, and jack-o-lanterns present a brighter orange glow. Daylight feels natural. Source is in excellent condition.

Halloween 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Three audio options are available here, with 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, 5.1 DTS-HD MA, and a 2.0 DTS-HD MA, which is listed as "original mono." The latter mix doesn't sound quite right, offering a thinner, tinnier sound. I'm not in possession of a previous release for comparison, but the 7.1 listening experience is much more involving, adding some home presentation oomph, delivering an obviously bigger presence and nuanced detail. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with ADR efforts easily identifiable. Conversations are balanced, and panicked reactions are comfortable, never slipping into distortive extremes. Scoring cues are sharp and loud, delivering exact synth to set the mood, while stings retain power. Surrounds offers enveloping atmospherics, with an early rainstorm a good example of heavy activity. Neighborhood movement is also present. Low-end isn't challenged, but some acts of violence carry weight, and sound effects, such as gunshots, retain snap.

Halloween 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

UHD

• Commentary #1 features co-writer/director John Carpenter and actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

• Commentary #2 features cinematographer Dean Cundey, co-editor/production designer Tommy Lee Wallace, and actor Nick Castle.

Blu-ray #1

• Commentary #1 features co-writer/director John Carpenter and actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

• Commentary #2 features cinematographer Dean Cundey, co-editor/production designer Tommy Lee Wallace, and actor Nick Castle.

• "The Night She Came Home" (59:43, HD) is a fascinating overview of a 2013 horror convention in Indianapolis, where Jamie Lee Curtis elected to appear, looking to monetize her "Halloween" fame for charity. Cameras are there to capture travel and hotel happenings, but mostly to watch Curtis in action as she interacts with fans and autograph seekers, signing everything put in front of her and posing for countless pictures. She does it all with highly rehearsed energy, but it's fun to watch Curtis manage such enormous attention everywhere she goes, trying to create special moments for those excited to see her.

• "Halloween Unmasked" (27:16, SD) is a 1999 featurette on the making of the horror classic, featuring interviews with co- writer/director John Carpenter, co-writer/producer Debra Hill, producers Irwin Yablans and Moustapha Akkad, cinematographer Dean Cundey, co- editor/production designer Tommy Lee Wallace, studio executive Joseph Wolf, and actors Jamie Lee Curtis, Nick Castle, P.J. Soles, and Brian Andrews. The genesis of the project is recalled, with Carpenter and Hill tasked with developing a plot about babysitters, and shooting locations are revisited, watching Cundey, Wallace, and Andrews walk around the old neighborhoods. The Donald Pleasance Experience is shared, along with the creation of Michael Myers. Scoring efforts are praised, and the original WOM release success of "Halloween" is fondly recalled.

• Still Gallery (13:04) collects international poster art, paperback book covers, video game art and instructions, publicity shots, BTS snaps, film stills, and lobby cards.

• Newsprint Ad Gallery (3:42) gathers advertisements from various cities and dates, also including re-releases and television airings.

• "Trailers from Hell" (3:01, HD) offers thoughts on "Halloween" from writer/director Adam Rifkin, who provides his personal experience with the release of the film, and goes through its production and casting history.

• T.V. Version Additional Footage (10:46, SD) offer new scenes created for "Halloween" to boost its ratings potential and cover for content edits.

• NBC Broadcast T.V. Promo (:29, SD) touts the network premiere of "Halloween."

• T.V. Spots (2:18, SD) provide five commercials.

• Radio Spots (1:28) offer three spots for "Halloween."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:42, SD) is included.

Blu-ray #2 (Original Blu-ray Release Color Timing)

• "Halloween: Extended Edition" (101:08) is presented.

• "Television Cut" (97:54, SD) of the NBC movie night event is included.

• Interview (1:17, SD) is an undated conversation with producer Moustapha Akkad, who details the original pitch for "Halloween," also sharing surprise with the film's many imitators.

• "Horror's Hallowed Grounds" (20:40, SD) is the 2005 pilot for the nostalgia show, hosted by Sean Clark. The episode takes on the neighborhoods of "Halloween," with Clark touring locations used in the film, interviewing property owners, and he's periodically joined by actress P.J. Soles.

• "Horror's Hallowed Grounds: Bus Tour" (11:27, HD) is a 2013 return to "Halloween" fandom with host Sean Clark, who leads convention guests around shooting locations, allowing fans to get in touch with moviemaking history.

• "Halloween: A Cut Above the Rest" (87:07, SD) is a television making-of, featuring interviews with co-writer/director John Carpenter, co-writer/producer Debra Hill, producers Irwin Yablans and Moustapha Akkad, cinematographer Dean Cundey, co-editor/production designer Tommy Lee Wallace, studio executive Joseph Wolf, and actors Jamie Lee Curtis, Nick Castle, and P.J. Soles. While many stories are repeated here, the extended run time offers a bit more depth when it comes to the inspiration behind "Halloween" and its technical achievements. Also included is some BTS footage, and an extended understanding of distribution setbacks and successes, along with some talk of the franchise's endurance.

Halloween 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The UHD experience for "Halloween" is nicely cinematic, giving the picture fresh detail and definition, delivering a true sense of the film for 4K enjoyment. The package includes a wealth of extras, collecting production information from over the decades, and multiple cuts of "Halloween" are presented for comparison.